The All-Electric 2020 MINI Cooper SE Is Perfect. Except For…

Electric cars are a blast to drive. The 2020 MINI Cooper SE is no exception. In fact, it might be the most engaging car the brand makes. But in a world full of electric cars that have over 200 miles of range, is the MINI’s 110 enough? Maybe. The price could make up for it, the SE can easily cost less than a gasoline powered MINI Cooper S. Does it REALLY go 110 miles? Tom Voelk finds out the real-world range driving all throughout Seattle.
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About Tom: Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award (and he's won for photography, editing, producing and reporting). But really, all you need to know is in the videos. Watch a few and you'll subscribe.

[@stephenhendricks103]

As "range wars" rage among most EV's MINI has chosen a different path. Living about 50 miles or so from Seattle, if I had to commute daily to the big city (as many of my neighbors do), the MINI EV wouldn't make the cut. But we've recently become a three driver family. (The daughter just turned 16.) And while we can certainly struggle on with "only" two vehicles, the EV MINI is a temptation, especially considering (a) its delightful driving characteristics, (b) the reduced wear and tear on the family SUV and my beloved GTI, and (c) most importantly the real world price with tax incentives and what I suspect are real world discounts from the dealer. I've lusted after MINI's for years but the premium price of almost any model has always been a barrier. The mid-trim Signature Plus EV has an MSRP (with incentives) of $25K, or so, making it a rather compelling value proposition. Or at least that's what I keep telling myself. :) So if and when we're allowed to leave our home, I may well investigate the possibility.

[@TristanSilverwood]

Stephen Hendricks I may be misunderstanding and if I am I apologise, but you can’t be suggesting getting a 16 year old a brand new mini electric? I come from the UK where insuring a car over £5K is impossible for anyone under 18 so to me that seems extreme

[@barryw9473]

I leased an 84 mile e-Golf for 3 years and felt a bit nervous at times about range- it had 25.000 miles after 3 years. I now own a 125 mile e-Golf and (until recently) put about 10,000 miles a year on it, with no range concerns. I agree with Tom that this Mini SE is a fine car for most Americans. Thanks for the great review. I love the clean air and lack of pollution, and shows how government regulation can restore our health and give us back the natural world we deserve. If only we all drove EVs. Be well, Tom. Thank you.

[@MiguelRodriguez-mj2ec]

True very true.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yup, but people don't understand that until they experience the dynamic. I understand. When plunking down $30K + on a car, you don't want to screw up.

[@denault3985]

I love your old man humor and yes I'm an old retired man! I can see the EV as a good second car for errands but not for long trips...

[@arrowlogproductions2509]

denault3985 Tesla is the only EV that is good for long drives right now.

[@SteveBakerIsHere]

The MINI (at 120-ish miles) would indeed be horrible for road trips...and here in the USA, probably completely impossible to drive on some trips. We switched from life-long MINI owners to Tesla Model 3 and even with the base model (240 mile range) - you can go on long road trips with ease. There are Tesla superchargers every 80 to maybe 150 miles on all of the major roads - and they recharge it in 15 to 20 minutes. It's a breeze.

[@notimetodie8919]

I already have this mini from Thailand Mini, Absolutely the best one-man drive for daily working in Bangkok where I always use about 50 kilometers per day which excess enough 80% remain among periodic traffic terrible.

[@tommihelich2613]

One of your best reviews Tom. Informative, witty. I really enjoyed hearing your argument for an automobile I normally wouldn’t consider. And I have to admit, even being out here on the edge of civilization (The Dalles) that I rarely drive more than 40 miles in a day.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Love the Dalles!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

FYI, Dan Edmunds at Autoblog just tested this car and saw a range of 137.7 miles. I saw 122 with some hard driving here and there and around 50 miles of highway speed driving (Dan was moderate on throttle with little highway travel FWIW). Here's the article- www.autoblog.com/2020/04/14/mini-se-electric-car-range-test/

[@dunphyjp]

Hey Tom! I’m one of the BMW/MINI Geniuses at West German BMW. I can tell you that a hyper miler mentality has yielded 156.3 miles in green+ and eco nav routing in the SE. The main epa testing is done in mid which is the standard start up for the se, and is not the most efficient mode. But it’s more than possible to get fantastic longevity with a level 2 charger 240V/16amp/3.7kW as long as you select preconditioning, have a fully charged battery, and set your departure time at least 3 hours ahead of time for best possible battery conditioning. I also drive a 2018 Countryman SE ALL4, and with level 1 charging at home and level 2 at work, with battery preconditioned on the ride home I average almost 800 miles/9.5gal. 798.3 miles using 8.7gal to be precise.

[@dunphyjp]

Ps, love your footage! Keep up the great work!

[@cadriver2570]

I'd rather have 122 amazing miles than 250 crappy ones!

[@bartwaggoner2000]

Given its price I don’t see this selling when you can get a similar electric car with 200 mile range for a comparable price. Even if you don’t really need the extra range, range anxiety is a big deal.

[@bzdtemp]

I think it will sell, same reason that the normal Mini's sell since you can use the same argument against them. I must I have a personal dislike for the Minis, them and the new Bettle since I see both as marketing ploy that take advantage of the original ones except the original ones was affordable clever made cars. The current ones are styling exercises that doesn't really excel at anything except being fashion items.

[@edwinjimenez7609]

bartwaggoner2000 what electric cars can you get for the same price that offer more range?? The mini can be had for 20K or lower after incentives depending what state you live in.

[@bartwaggoner2000]

@@edwinjimenez7609 you may be right - I just checked Chevy bolt’s starting price and it is $7K more than the e-mini. Though maybe worth the extra price for 2x the range....

[@MikeCalhoun]

@@bartwaggoner2000 The Bolt also doesn't apply for the federal rebate anymore, so it's actually 14k more.

[@BoopSnoot]

Or, given the fact that we have a global massive overcapacity of oil, with ever increasing oil reserves discovered, how it even makes economic sense to buy expensive batteries over cheap fuel.

[@vickibangsable]

We leased an 13 for 3 years and fell madly in love !!! This will most definitely be my next electric car. I just have to find a dealership that sells them.

[@petegalindez9961]

OMG! The Time Machine!! WOW! That brings back some smells from the past…awesome touch!

[@tedunguent156]

Thanks for another great review. You are among the best and your production value is top notch. One thing that puts me off electric cars is the styling. It's not the unique styling cues, like those cool wheels, but it's the excessive number and placement of badges and the loud dayglo color choices. I guess the makers of electric cars think that people want that stuff but I think it hurts sales.

[@alexjenkins1079]

At least here in the UK, there are other, more conventional alloy options available

[@RobG001]

Think you can have it de-badged, so it looks normal, at least you can here from all the reviews I've seen. They always glam all the press cars to the max in options to show what you can get on the top model.

[@StevenLucasMarketing]

When you don't have engine noise, you gotta have some way to shout 'here I am'. LOL.

[@VideoSmirf]

I know that in some countries it is mandatory by law for electric and hybrid cars to have clear visual badges on all four sides. This is so rescue personel/firefighters will know not to pour water on it in case of a fire. You can have all the neon colors removed from the mirrors, wheels etc., but not the small badges.

[@tedunguent156]

@@VideoSmirf Ah, good info. Didn't think of that.

[@elrockerchido]

the selling point for me was how you can make it complete flat in the cargo space and that sweet expandabl seat... LOVE IT

[@ecostud]

Good review, Tom. Love my Model 3, but I think my dad should upgrade his 10yo Leaf with 70-90mi of range for this!

[@cypvh74]

Lived with a 2014 Spark EV with several years. I bought it used for $9k and it had 80ish miles of range. Worked great for daily commuting in the Seattle area. Did Everett to Bellevue, and had charging access in Bellevue. Everett to Renton and back was a bit tight, especially in the winter months, if I needed to get the kids after school. There are a few chargers in Renton, but not super close to my work, and I couldn’t rely on being able to charge down there. Last fall, the range had a drop and i was only getting 65 miles range on a good day. So had to trade it in. (Got a Model 3). My advice is to Figure out your longest usual commute, and double those miles to consider winter range and buffer. For me that is about 150 miles. You can get away with a lot less, if you have regular access to charging at your destinations.

[@DonFather]

News flash Tom. Big screen TV's aren't worth nearly as much money anymore. (I had to switch to stealing garden knomes. LOL) That Mini is one very nicely appointed EV. One of very few I'd want to buy. Thx for the nice review Tom.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I didn't know, there's QLED in Queen Anne that I have my eye on. Until now the people haven't been home much.... Could get a lot of garden gnomes in there though.

[@Chrisb8s]

I know that it's been awhile, but I love watching reviews of this car.. I haven't seen a bad one.. we have a long range ev and a gas car.. our gas car gets so few miles, but we do need a second car.. this is PERFECT.. we ordered one

[@morgaj21]

loved the 2 mini's I had 50 odd years ago in the UK. Loved your review and I am sorely tempted again and it would be my first EV.

[@mowcowbell]

This would be perfect for my 20 mile round trip daily commute. I could go several days between charges.

[@davidkaminski615]

The air would be clear here, except for all the tree pollen. Achoo!

[@theartboxprints]

Best review for Mini SE so far!

[@jeffreysegal2065]

I like it, and since there's no BMW engine it should technically be more reliable. Honda and Mini have the right idea with their more sensible ranges. The high mileage EVs quickly inform the owners that mileage costs, whether its gas or electricity.

[@craigw.scribner6490]

Love your Matt Mason and Hot Wheels toys, Tom! I'm 65 and my brother is 60; we had some of the toys in the Mini's trunk. Fun memories and thanks for another great video. Stay safe!

[@djejnyc]

Man, I remember Sizzlers! They were so fun, you could use them anywhere. My first electric car! Thanks for the memories, Tom.

[@teddyforan]

This is the best review I’ve seen of the mini electric as my partner just picked this car on the nhs scheme thank you

[@rbrucepeterson]

My cargo test: Can I get my upright bass to gigs? In a chevy spark I can SQUEEZE two passengers, my upright bass, a guitar (under), banjo, and mandolin (with the passenger seat far forward). If you don't have a passenger, you can put an upright bass inside a Think City or Smart car. With both rear seats down, a gas Mini will transport an upright bass (armrest up so the headstock clears the shifter. My mini is fun to drive. I use it as a second car for distance trips.

[@chrisvanderstock]

Great job Tom! Well presented, excellent script and voice over, and b-roll on point.

[@tonys9413]

This is a great second car, city cart. And have your SUV for travel. Kia Niro EV is a better car, though; Kia is offering it in only a few States.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Having owned two Sorentos and driven just about every other vehicle in their lineup, I'm a KIA fan. And I think you're right that in terms of practicality the Niro is a superior choice. But for that to be true the "fun to drive" character of the MINI has to be heavily discounted. And considering the MSRP difference is about $10,000, the KIA's practicality comes at a significant premium.

[@MiguelRodriguez-mj2ec]

I plan to get this car for my wife. She doesn't drive much and I already own a Tesla Model 3. We'll end up using my car for longer trips and she'll use the Mini for driving to work and daily errands. We're super excited to ditch gas completely.

[@BoopSnoot]

The greatest cost of vehicle ownership is depreciation, not fuel. EVs have much higher depreciation to begin with, so buying a vehicle that will only be used on occasion and suffering all that depreciation and extra insurance cost over buying one car to do everything doesn't make sense. Buy a midsize vehicle with a trailer hitch that can do everything. Gasoline is and will remain very cheap for a long time, even as countries try to mandate reducing their massive oil overproduction.

[@MiguelRodriguez-mj2ec]

@@BoopSnoot thanks, but no thanks. For the amount of driving my wife does on a daily basis the mini is perfect and far cheaper to run and operate than her current car. We are aware that depreciation will hit harder on it, but for the amount of time we plan on keeping it it will be far worth it and still cheaper to own than her current car. Also our goal is to completely cut gasoline out of our life. We do not want to depend on it for transportation.

[@Bandit-137]

EV depreciation is stabilizing and expected to improve. Larger audience acceptance, better technology/infrastructure and newer popular EV models will have EV depreciation values in a healthy place. Popularity plays a huge role in depreciation values and Tesla holds up very well. I have a feeling this new Mini will as well.

[@keithtaylor5156]

I know this is a car review channel so may I recommend a new channel of simply Tom driving round Seattle in the Mini? Highlights would be getting to see beautiful Seattle, sneaking up on the locals (I wonder if the Mini has a stealth mode?), his views on life and old toys, and getting his wife in the videos. Niche but I think popular.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

My wife won't go for it and we don't want any more people in Seattle. So I'm shooting that one down Keith.

[@n2b998]

Great review! Gives a great impression of what this car is all about. Frequently amusing too. Is this the best auto review channel on the internet?

[@will4may175]

Thing is that range is knocked down bigtime in winter time, the colder the worse it is, in UK winter you will expect around 75miles range, which is terrible, even in UK thats bad.

[@B-rad1]

In Oregon the total maximum tax rebate that can be applied at the time of lease amounts to $12,500, which lowers the base model price to $18,500 and the midlevel trim to about $21,000. If the lease rates match other cars in that price range such as the Corolla Hatch SE, this might just be my first car out of college. I can imagine people buying this as a fun commuter car as well, given its interior and driving characteristics far exceed its price.

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

A 110-mile car would work for me, even in the middle of our upstate NY winters when I'd expect to see...what....half of that range? Price is not unreasonable either but I don't think I can bring myself to buy a BMW product. Maintenance costs on this thing are probably astronomical.

[@larryg3326]

I was wondering about the maintenance costs. Without the IC engine would they be more reasonable?

[@MikeCalhoun]

@@larryg3326 There's not much to maintain in an EV.

[@cats.8129]

Thank you! Great review!..This was so helpful...looks like a perfect community driving car:)!

[@TrainsFerriesFeet]

Nice review; I'll be replacing my plug-in hybrid with a fully electric vehicle in about a year. I like this vehicle, but that range would be a pain on a roadtrip.

[@VerryJerry90]

If your work is under a 30 minute commute this is perfect 2nd vehicle

[@andrewkolb2527]

John Luke would love this review.

[@paulstein9258]

The problem is the nearest mini dealer is 60 miles away. That’s the dealer breaker with this range. Otherwise, the range fits my driving perfectly.

[@mikeh.8155]

haven't driven over 100 miles/day for years and years.

[@meandmyEV]

Great video. I would have believed you if you said you had a team of writers and editors helping you. Subscribed! The benefit of having the DC fast charge option on a car like this would be for people that cannot charge at home. If you live in apartment without a charging station, you could drive it to a DC fast charger and charge it from empty to full when needed in 30-45 minutes. That said, I have noticed in the Atlanta area where I live that a lot more apartments are providing charging stations to residents. I am one of those weird 275 lb 6 foot man that loves little cars (I loved my Fiat 500). I understand what you say about range but I know that I would love this car so much that I would want to take it on weekends away with my wife etc. That is the catch 22. Same is true with my Volt. It is so much more fun to drive that we take it on trips even though it is not as comfortable as her Tuscon.

[@abbaby555]

All the toys you showed and spoke of, I was very lucky to have as a child... I guess I never knew how well I had it growing up. Awesome mini, I'd really like one as a second car

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I had a friend who's parents gave him tons of toys. So I was kind of leasing them.

[@abbaby555]

@@DrivenCarReviews funny you say that my friends and I always shared our toys as kids, we traded a lot of hot wheels back then

[@bikebudha01]

Two things: First, in Washington state, when you go to renew your license plate tabs - there is $220 of 'extra' electric fees over a gas model. So a lot of that money you would save on gas is going to be eaten up every year with these fees. Second, this has to be a designated 'second car'. And it's hard for most to swallow a $30k pricetag for a 'second' car that they CAN'T be taken on trips. (Oh, I dare you to try and take a car with a 100 mile rage from Seattle to Spokane - there are just not as many charging stations out in the middle of Washington as you think).

[@raymondwong2521]

Great video! Thanks for the info. I drive only 23 miles per day on average. I am really intrigued by this Mini Cooper SE, especially after watching your video. Instant torque is great for red light to red light kind of traffic. Really want to try it out. My local Mini dealerships only let me put an order for one now. Should be shipped in town in a couple of months according to them.

[@smilingsatan]

A great 4th car.

[@CDNRower99]

Battery management -is it liquid cooled?

[@B-rad1]

Yes, it is liquid cooled like the BMW i3 and unlike the Nissan Leaf.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yes, there's active thermal management. MINI reps have said it's more efficient than BMW i3.

[@acchaladka]

Great review Tom, we have a Tesla 3 LR and though you’re right it’s about twice the price for twice the car, the Mini definitely fits as a second /commuter car if we needed one. We have two kids and need just a little more space than the Mini offers for the fam here (Canada). Now that COVID has us working at home all day and may continue in the future, this with a ski rack would be very very close; I’m looking forward to seeing what VW brings here next year

[@danhall3450]

Another great review. One of these days I'm gonna flag you down as you drive through my Blue Ridge 'hood!

[@jeffarnholt1310]

110 mile range is a deal-killer. I like your analogy, but with this limitation, The Price is NOT Right

[@stephenhendricks103]

As an only vehicle, I'd agree. But depending on one's circumstances and priorities I find the real world price (with incentives) of between 22K and $25K to be a fairly compelling value proposition.

[@mortenmarcherhansen804]

This mini could be interesting. Own a tmy. This could easily pass as a second car. Just needs a range of 70 km a day.

[@wandering_armadillo]

Tom I hope you wouldn't judge me if I called you a totally adorable nerd! Great review, and logically - this is a great car for me. Short commutes, and longer trips these days are on motorcycles so .... time to knock on the dealer's door!

[@CED99]

Excellent video Tom

[@RafaelCasemiro]

Great review, Tom!

[@sopwithsnoopy8779]

I'm roughly mid-point between Detroit, Chicago, and Grand Rapids, MI and I like going to concerts. Sure, this car would be fine driving back & forth from work (as long as one remembers to charge it every night). But going any further, I'd need to rent a gas-powered car.

[@elbowsout6301]

Great review! The short range is too short for me as I travel 177kms (110miles) highway each weekend. If only it had another 50 kms in range.... love the car though and I've always wanted a Mini. Well, by always I mean since 2003 when the Italian Job came out :)

[@veggiechowder8877]

That cargo was excellent! Thanks

[@Sanpedranoazul]

It would be pretty interesting to compare the cost maintaince of a gasoline operated car Vs an electric battery cost in a 10 year span, to see wether it`s cost saving to won an electric car

[@tonydemore1280]

You also have to consider that here in the relatively mild pacific northwest winters (Portland, OR) EV range drops 30-35%. That's fine for my Chevy Bolt as I can usually count on about 160-170 miles on the colder days.But the Mini EV would drop to below 80 miles. But I would love to retrofit those Mini seats into my Bolt :-)

[@insightman]

MINI claims the advanced design of the MINI Cooper SE's battery makes it less prone to cold-weather range-reduction than the i3. Also, mild winters mean you can take advantage of the range-conserving heat pump in the SE.

[@sonofcain14]

It looks like a very nice car, but the range will be a dealbreaker for a lot of people

[@nompoo3115]

thank you! fun video watched through it all!

[@robertguzek7945]

I would get this but it doesn’t seem to be available

[@dzerres]

Most people may not "need" 200 miles of range but range anxiety is a real thing. If you can get 300 or soon 400 miles why would you settle for 116? They won't - this car makes as much sense as the i3 (very little).

[@MikeCalhoun]

A 300 mile Model 3 is 49k with no rebate. This Mini is 23k with rebate. A 26k difference isn't a "why would you settle for" argument. It's a completely different price bracket.

[@cadriver2570]

Because this is a fun car to drive.

[@zijadjasarspahic5275]

Love your videos man 👌💪

[@mletouutube]

At the speed you were driving, of course you will fit the spec...

[@williamzhaohargis9384]

You made me want to get this car so bad now !!! Haha

[@pixkypix]

Thanks for doing this review! :D

[@GW8419]

The wheels really do look like UK power outlets! I never noticed.

[@davva360]

Would love one but the range is off putting. Yeah it would be fine most of the time however totally impossible to ever road trip it. Would still need an ICE vehicle. Problem is it’s such a fun car you probably would want to drive it

[@brucec954]

I know its a converted gas car but why do they have to keep the fake shifter lever in the console? Much rather have cup holders, place for phone etc.

[@jody024]

The Flaw: UK based research. The US is a country way more focused on driving yourself instead of using public transport.

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

J024 that’s simple to say when everything is close too you like in the UK I know because I was born and raised there. I live in Canada and the two nearest cities are over 100 miles either north and south. Try and carry you’re groceries in -40 weather and knee deep in snow. Last time is was in the UK they had 2 inches of snow and the country was shutdown. You have to have a vehicle in North America I had the same oh I don’t need a car attitude 25 years ago, and you soon learn that carrying groceries in -40C with a negative 50 windchill is slightly different than a rainy day on North Sea coast of England...

[@DrivenCarReviews]

No flaw at all. These were people that drove, not ones that took public transportation. Plus, their average was not far from what US commuters cover these days. But in the end, people need to understand their needs.

[@LongIslandMopars]

Hi, Tom. The toys were cooler than the Mini. Do you remember the Hot Wheels Thundershift 500? I had that and wish I kept it.

[@cb-vi3he]

If they were smart, that 100 miles of range could be increased by selling expandable lithium ion packs that you can plug into the car and stored behind the backseats under that cover.

[@notbatman1001]

Huh...New Jersey plates. Did you drive it or ship it to Seattle?

[@laka6723]

A beautiful neighborhood you' re living at

[@tomfurie2996]

You robbed my childhood toy box!

[@YLeon-zt9ei]

I drive about 50 miles a day...40 on the highway. I have never owned an EV but am interested in one. Thoughts on buying the MINI SE given my highway driving distance?

[@danscar5277]

I appreciate the review, very good and I subscribed. What is the ride quality in the mini-e, do you feel every crack and bump on the road? A few years ago I rode in a mini clubman for about 700 miles and that just beat me up riding and I know I won’t be doing 700 miles in one day in this car. My father has the i3 and the ride can be a little harsh too, because they are narrow tires. I’m going from 2004 BMW 3 series Coupé to an electric someday, and before some says there’s tesla, I’m interest in a city and fun car.

[@normt5463]

I love rolling through the parking lots behind unsuspecting walkers in my whisper quiet CT6E!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Ah, so you're the one who bought that car! Never did drive it. Cheers from an ELR owner.

[@normt5463]

@@DrivenCarReviews there are almost half of a dozen new CT6E in SEA-TAC area for +$20K off MSRP. I'm in Ohio but was working with that dealership before most everything got locked down. Ended up with one in VA with 575 miles for about half off MSRP. It is a very nice ride with loads of tech.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

@@normt5463 Yeah, I have a friend that was considering one but the dealerships kept messing up. My ELR went from $83K MSRP to $35K after the feds tax credit. Great car.

[@normt5463]

@@DrivenCarReviews that is a very good deal on a gorgeous Cadillac and plug-in. We are enjoying our first month of ownership and comparing statistics on voltstats. The CT6E can't quite compete with Volt/ELR in the metrics but we would be top 20 amongst ELR's. We usually end the day on all battery with about 80 mpge on the computer. The charge sustaining when on engine after battery is used up has been 40 mpg on the 2.0T which is very good for 4,500 lbs car. Stay safe!

[@luisalbertostancato]

Nice car. I like it. Hope battery will last a little bit more in next generation...

[@fantomtuba]

I drive a 2014 Accord Hybrid as a rideshare driver in the Boston area. When I drive around the North End, and people are walking in the street they don't hear me either in EV mode. \

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It's a thing. Same with my ELR and my wife's Volt.

[@rtbinc2273]

My chronic complaint is that these are toys for people with multi-car garages. These are second cars. If you are East of the Mississippi urban apartment dweller like me you have nowhere to plug one of these in every night. There are a non-starter for people like me.

[@JakeRoot]

There are tons of good EVs on the market now. Unfortunately, I live in an apartment tower and leave my car on the street at night...no plug. Long range EVs are really my only option, and that means visiting fast chargers whenever I'm low. Not fun.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Until street charging becomes ubiquitous, it would be hard for people like you to own an EV. Even with fast charging.

[@TheHelghast1138]

This is absolutely my favorite EV 😍 Awesome Review Tom!

[@InSaN3ViSioN]

Lol. You clearly haven't driven a Tesla

[@cadriver2570]

@@InSaN3ViSioN What Tesla corners like this?

[@Rick9482]

It could actually work for me but I think it's priced to high at 37k plus. Maybe 32k with government tax incentive would work but that simply is not the case. I don't see many sales ahead.

[@nintendoatarikiller]

Holy crap those wheels do look like UK plugs. Why didn't I notice earlier

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Just another service I provide...

[@Mr2pint]

Guess what the mini BMW battery cost more than twice the Tesla Model S battery, with three times the range if not more

[@insightman]

Then why can you buy two MINI Cooper SE cars in some states for the price of a Tesla?

[@dodgy1954]

UK viewer immediately subscribed. Excellent review....maybe the Hotwheels references did it :-)

[@Duurti]

I love that car companies base their decision on studies that show people only drive their electric cars 30 miles a day. Well, that's normal. It's only a few times a year for vacations etc that people go very far. For the average person anyway. Also, maybe they only drive them that far because they have the range anxiety and take their gas car when they go anywhere out of their town/city. As far as pricing, electric cars are still over priced for their use value. It's easy enough to say have this for commuting or in town driving. Not everyone wants 2 cars. I sure as hell don't want to pay to insure 2 cars as a single person, just because one doesn't go as far as I need it to a few time a year. They're still not practical for the majority of owners, and that's why they're still fringe. They're getting better. Not there yet. Not even close.

[@alexf8148]

at 3:52, people will think I'm driving a UFO LMAO. WAIT back seats? I thought the all electric only has two seats? But as far as fuel economy, my prius C (at $0.05 per mile if gasoline is about $2.90/gallon comparing to $0.03 on this car) is pretty close to it

[@toronado455]

Nice video!

[@mikef4077]

Why is drive with NJ plate in California?

[@richardhoulton4016]

It’s 20% more expensive than a similarly equipped Cooper S here in Aus, and the range is stupid for a very expensive urban only 2nd car...because you’ll need another one that can actually cover some distance when you need it. It needs much bigger batteries...but then it’d get super heavy and wouldn’t drive like a Mini anymore. That’s the conundrum. I’ll wait for the next generation of batteries.

[@bzdtemp]

Please do a comparison with the new Honda e when possible. I hope the Honda is better since I have a hard time with the whole Mini brand, they are nothing like the original Mini as to me they are more fashion items while the original was groundbreaking clever cars and they were really affordable as well.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Won't happen. We do not get Honda e in the US. Are you romanticizing the old MINIs? Groundbreaking and clever for the day but time marches on. Give me a modern MINI any day, especially in a collision situation.

[@bzdtemp]

@@DrivenCarReviews No question the Minis of now are much better cars in almost any way, it is just that they are so much bigger and have never been a car that was meant as a really affordable one. They've taken a few design ques of the original, the name and that is it really, it is a insult to the original icon. I forgot about the Honda name not being in the US, maybe they'll put it out under the Acura name then.

[@patmoitry4397]

Great toy collection, Tom! How is Mr Campbell doing these days?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

He's doing very well, just talked to him yesterday. He's an IT guy and swamped with keeping people working from home online.

[@xray111xxx]

I love your toys. Those were all my brother's and mine. Major Matt Mason especially. Hot Wheels. Lots of memories with that orange track too. Imagination folks. The Mini looks tasty. Only thing, living the carefree apartment life here at least, these are a bust. So I am not really convinced an EV will ever be for me, though I am a huge fan. ICE for the most part is dead to me. The instant torque, silence and cool factor of electric impress me. Like your videos Tom. Your video quality is so nicely done. I don't think I can remember a poor quality video from you. So in the times of Covid-19, and yeah I am paying dearly. I lost my job from lack of work Covid-19 created, so yeah it hurt me more than some others. But your videos bring light of hope and your pleasant manner makes it a joy to watch these. Keep up the great work Tom. I am a serious car fan, and I would never miss any of your reviews, and do share with others your reviews.

[@Coronet_1969_]

Great review but I'm not impressed by the brand or the very limited range, no thanks.

[@bhxu]

Not for US market. most of ppl drove >70 miles daily commute. so do I. Tesla is the only winner in EV

[@Cjdergrosse]

I don't get why they used the BMW i3's 94Ah battery instead of the newer 120Ah in the latest i3 version.

[@insightman]

The i3's 94Ah Samsung battery wouldn't fit. BMW instead used a more advanced CATL battery to get that many Ah into the MINI's smaller available space. Unlike the MINI E, which offered about the same battery capacity, this electric MINI has a rear seat and cargo space.

[@coltonsworld9402]

Great video Tom! I’m moving to Tacoma and work downtown Seattle, would the 70 mile round trip a day commute be doable if I get a level 2 charger and can use level 1 while at work?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Seems to me it would be no problem round trip with no charging at work, even in our colder months. But if work give you free electricity, then go for it.

[@EchoSigma6]

I like most of the e-Mini. I wish they could produce one looks like a regular Mini and personally, those wheels don’t appeal to me.

[@miata1370]

You do have the option of more "normal looking" alloy wheels..

[@DrivenCarReviews]

@@miata1370 The trim level below has most of the features and "normal" looking wheels,

[@insightman]

Not only are those Power Spoke (formerly Corona Spoke) wheels available as an option only on the top trim (Iconic), but you can delete the Energetic Yellow "blade" on the grille and the mirrors for free. Also, some colors (eg. Chili Red) are not available with the yellow blade and mirrors. So only the grille, 4 electric logos, an electric logo charge-port lid, and the lack of exhaust pipes set it apart from a regular MINI.

[@jimdetry9420]

Since it sounds like you need to charge it overnight most days, what is the cost of installing a charger in your home garage? If you have two plug ins, I assume you know the price first hand. If switching to an EV I would consider installing a home charger part of the purchase price.

[@insightman]

If you can let it charge for 12 hours (or less if you don't use all 110 miles worth of power), you can use the 120-Volt EVSE that comes with the car. The cost of a Level 2 EVSE depends on how easy it is to get 240-Volt service to your garage (assuming your main panel doesn't require upgrading to support a 40-amp, 240-Volt add-on).

[@kevins718]

I’m distracted with the silver/Greenish Volt at around 13:23. Is that yours?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

My wife's.

[@cjwnyc922]

Love to know how you would compare the mini to the i3.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

In a nut shell, I like the practicality of the i3 with its 4 doors (kind of). I highly prefer the interior of the MINI (never liked the materials or controls in the BMW). I like the bulldog look of the MINI but I also like the spacepod i3 design in certain colors. I also prefer the MINIs ride and handling, the BMW seems less engaging, maybe because of the tires.